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Left VS SelfControl

Compare Left VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Left

A minimalist multi-platform text editor

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
SelfControl

V2 updates! - Custom time interval for distraction free mode - Ability to turn off ' always on' mode - Improved UI -- Self Control -- A simple app to keep you focused online by blocking sites that you spend way too much time on.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
Eddyter
Build and integrate a WYSIWYG editor in minutes. Eddyter offers fast setup, developer-friendly APIs, and seamless content editing for modern web apps today. sponsored
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than Left. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 1 mention of Left.

social mentions
1 vs 79
Productivity popularity
20% vs 80%
alternatives listed
124 vs 188

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Left
SelfControl
Website hundredrabbits.itch.io selfcontrolapp.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in
Note Taking Text Editors IDE Todos +1
Productivity Time Management Time Tracking Focus +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Left 4 features
SelfControl 4 features
  • Lightweight
    Left is a minimalist text editor that uses minimal system resources, which allows it to run efficiently on less powerful machines.
  • Distraction-free
    The interface of Left is simple and clean, reducing distractions and helping users focus on writing.
  • Cross-platform
    Left is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Open-source
    Being open-source, Left allows users to modify the software according to their needs and contribute to its development.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited features
    Unlike some more robust text editors, Left does not offer advanced features such as spell checking or rich text formatting, which might be necessary for some users.
  • Learning curve
    New users might need some time to get acquainted with Left's unique interface and shortcuts.
  • Niche usage
    Left is tailored more towards users seeking a minimalist writing interface, which may not appeal to those looking for a fully-featured text editing tool.
  • Community support
    As a niche tool, Left may not have as large or active a community for support compared to more mainstream text editors.
  • Effective Website Blocking
    SelfControl blocks access to distracting websites based on a customizable blocklist, helping users stay focused.
  • Timer Functionality
    Users can set a timer for how long they want websites to remain blocked, ensuring focused work periods without distraction.
  • Free to Use
    SelfControl is open-source and free to download and use, making it accessible to anyone without financial barriers.
  • Easy to Use
    The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly set their preferences and get started.

Possible disadvantages

  • Mac-Only
    SelfControl is only available for macOS, excluding Windows and Linux users from using the application.
  • No Undo Option
    Once the block period is set and started, it cannot be undone even by restarting the computer, which could be an issue if access to blocked sites is needed unexpectedly.
  • Limited Feature Set
    The app primarily focuses on website blocking, lacking additional productivity tools or features like app blocking or usage analytics.
  • No Scheduled Blocking
    SelfControl does not offer the ability to schedule block sessions in advance, meaning users must manually start each session.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Left
SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Left is highly regarded by many of its users for its simplicity and effectiveness. It delivers a streamlined experience without unnecessary features, allowing users to focus on their writing or coding tasks. However, some users might find its minimalistic approach lacking in comparison to more feature-rich text editors.

Why this product is good

  • Left is a minimalist text editor designed for efficiency and simplicity, making it ideal for writers and programmers who prefer a distraction-free environment. Its features include offline-first functionality, a unique panel-based workspace, and seamless synchronization with third-party tools. Users appreciate its focus on performance and the ability to customize the workspace to fit their unique workflow preferences.

Recommended for

  • Writers looking for a distraction-free environment.
  • Programmers who need a lightweight editor for quick edits.
  • Users who prefer simplicity and minimalism in their software tools.
  • Individuals who work offline and need a reliable text editor.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SelfControl is a highly recommended tool for individuals looking to enhance their productivity by minimizing digital distractions. Its open-source nature and no-nonsense approach make it a popular choice among students, freelancers, and professionals alike.

Why this product is good

  • SelfControl is considered a good application because it effectively blocks distracting websites, helping users focus on their tasks without getting sidetracked by online distractions. It's simple to use, efficient, and highly customizable, allowing users to specify which sites to block and for how long, ensuring a tailored productivity experience.

Recommended for

    SelfControl is ideal for students who need to concentrate on studying, remote workers who want to avoid procrastination, freelancers who require discipline in managing their time, and anyone who needs a simple solution to reduce digital distractions during focused work periods.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Left 3 videos + Add
SelfControl 2 videos + Add

You Should Have Left - Movie Review

More videos

  • - You Should Have Left REVIEW
  • - You Should Have Left - Movie Review

How to block websites that distract you ? Selfcontrol [Mac App review and tutorial]

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Left
SelfControl
20% 20%
Productivity
80% 80%
0% 0%
Time Tracking
100% 100%
100% 100%
Text Editors
0% 0%
0% 0%
Time Management
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Left and SelfControl. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Left 1 mention
SelfControl 79 mentions

View more

Alternatives to Left and SelfControl

When comparing Left and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products.

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